CARNIVAL du MYSTIQUE
A Harry Potter UNIVERSE/ Sasporilla Bucket Fan Fiction
by Darren Kelly
Chapter 21
The day before the students arrived at Hogwarts was a busy day in Hogsmeade. All of the shops were alive with customers picking up last minute items. Large orders were coming in for the school and being picked up by staff members and elves alike. Most of the locals knew enough to stay away from main street and the shops on this day.
Sasporilla strolled leisurely into Hogsmeade whistling and smiling brightly.
"Hello Mrs.Honeyduke!" Sasporilla called cheerfully. "Wonderful day."
"Very busy day." Mrs.Honeyduke smiled exasperated. "But it is nice to see you Miss Bucket!"
"Sasporilla!" A small voice called.
Sassy looked around but saw no one. Finally her nose followed the smell of old socks and cherry wood tobacco back to Drooble, the head of House Elves, perched atop a pile of crates marked for transport to Hogwarts, smoking his pipe.
"Drooble!" Sasporilla waved excitedly as the elf hopped down off the boxes and walked over to his favorite young witch. "How are you?"
"Old and tired my dear." Drooble smiled taking the liberty of giving Sassy a welcoming hug. "But feeling younger and lighter of heart for having seen you!"
"Yes my friend you are a sight for sore eyes." Sasporilla said.
"Yes my face does tend to have that effect those who look upon me." Drooble laughed.
"Now don't you dare talk about your self that way." Sasporilla said. "You were not only one of my teachers, you are my friend! And I will not have anyone talk about my friends that way!"
"Thank you Sasporilla." The old elf smiled. "What brings you to Hogsmeade?"
"I've come to visit Karry Curtiss." Sassy smiled.
"Oh I see." Drooble cringed pointing the tip of his pipe towards the far end of town. "Then if I were you I'd best hurry, before you miss her."
Sasporilla looked up and could see Karry storming out of the front door of her home carrying her child in one arm and moving out suitcases with her wand with her free hand.
"Oh no." Sasporilla said breaking into a run. "What is this all about?"
Even though Sasporilla was to far off to hear what her best friend was saying, Sassy could clearly see Karry was upset and angry with Zac. The young woman’s tears flowed down her cheeks as she yelled at her young husband, standing defiantly smug in the doorway.
"If you want us out of your life Zac Zarcazzian then fine!" Karry screamed. "I'll take the baby and you'll never see me again!"
"Probably run back to your half muggle roots, and your muggle home back in muggle town!" Zac sneered
"How dare you!" Karry yelled at her husband who stood tall on the front step of their house rubbing his ring.
"Karry! Zac!" Sasporilla yelled as she ran over and grabbed her friend. "What is this all about?"
"Sasporilla!" Karry wailed. "He's just become a beast. I can't stand him any more."
"Has he hit you?" Sassy asked.
"Of course not." Zac huffed. "No matter how foolish a girl she may act I'd never lay a hand on her, nor the child."
"Your child!" Karry yelled.
"So you insist." Zac said to Sasporilla’s surprise.
"Ok." Sassy said. "I don't know what started this but I feel you two need a bit of time apart."
"I'm going to my mothers." Karry said.
"Are you sure?" Sasporilla asked. "It's easier for Zac to go for a few days."
"No." Karry insisted. "Please Sasporilla. Let's just go."
Sasporilla hated apperating with both her upset friend, her baby, all of her luggage, and her own broom. Amazingly they made it to Essex without being splinched. They appeared in front of the Curtiss home on Castle Road. Karry's bags fell to the side and scattered on the sidewalk with a thump. The crying baby summoned a concerned grandmother from her cookie baking. Mrs.Curtiss opened the front door of the house with a look of concern as Karry ran to her mother, crying with her baby in her arms.
"What's happened?" Mrs.Curtiss asked hugging her daughter.
"Mom-my" Karry cried.
For the first time Sasporilla saw her friend Karry as she saw herself. A child, trying her best in an adult world to play big girl. She married at sixteen! Was this bound to happen? Were the adults right? Was this something else? For now Sassy would leave Karry with her mom. She felt that at this time that who Karry needed most.
It was a familiar giggle that made Sasporilla turn around. A young couple was carrying in some boxes of things into her old house at number four Castle Road. As she had expected, it was Madrigal Neelander and Karry's twin brother Korry Curtiss. Sassy took a deep breath and walked over.
Sassy stood in the open doorway remembering the very few good times she had here and even worse all the tragedy. Sasporilla couldn't help but think the house looked the same but somehow felt different. It didn't belong to her any more. It was someone else’s.
"I'll fetch the other box." Korry said suddenly appearing in the doorway bumping into Sassy. "Oh! Excuse me. I didn't see you the... Sasporilla?"
"Hello Korry." Sassy said. "I was pretty sure it was Zac over paid for the house. Future wedding gift?"
"Yes." Korry blushed. "Two yearsish in June. What are you doing here?"
"Just dropped Karry and the baby off at your mom's. Her and Zac have had a big row. Karry's left for a while. She needed to see her mum."
"I best leave her alone for a while then." Korry said.
"That's what I'm doing." Sasporilla smiled shyly. "Let them talk."
"Where is that box?" Madrigal said laughing coming to the door. "Oh! Sasporilla?"
"Hello Madrigal." Sassy waved. "Getting the house in shape?"
"Yes." Maddy smiled proudly. "It's a lot of work to bring this house up to my tastes."
"Well you have time." Sasporilla smiled politely seeing the uncomfortable look in Korry's stance. "I can't hang about unfortunately. Korry would you do me the service of telling Karry I had to be on to catch the shuttle to Avalon."
"I will." Korry said walking the pink haired witch down the short walk to the road. "Sassy are you ok?"
"Yes Korry." Sasporilla said looking into her exboyfriend’s eyes. "There was a time when I thought perhaps that I would never get over you. That we were meant to be together, but it seems the fates have chosen different for us. Love has found me twice and fate has cruelly ripped it from me. Strangely enough I'm not bitter like I think I should be. I'm hopeful that I will find love again. Maybe this time for good. Are you happy, Korry?"
"Yes Sassy I am." Korry Curtiss smiled. "We are."
"Good." Sasporilla smiled mounting her broom. "I am glad. Bye you two. Have fun redoing my old house!"
As Sasporilla flew off into the late afternoon sky, a single tear rolled down her cheek.
************************
BANG!BANG!BANG! Sasporilla awoke to something pounding loudly on the wall of her caravan. Her caravan? Why was she in her caravan? Sasporilla remembered taking Karry to Essex to see her mother and running into Korry. That upset her enough that she left and flew to London crying about lost loves.
'BANG!BANG!BANG!' someone pounded on the caravan.
"Coming!" Sasporilla said yawning as she crawled out put on some clothes. Jorge looked at her concerned. "Don't worry. Just stay in here. You'll be safe. I'll bring you out in Avalon."
Sasporilla through on her purple jacket and grabbed her bag as she stepped through the door. A police officer stood very unimpressed at the bottom of her caravan steps, truncheon in hand.
"Well, well, well." The officer said, "do you gypsy's think you can just set up camps anywhere you want in London now?"
"No sir." Sasporilla said calmly looking around for witnesses. None really.
"You think Hyde park is a bloody camp ground young miss?" The officer sneered.
"No." Sasporilla cast the caravan back into a broom which landed in her hand. "But it will do in a pinch. OBLIVIATE!"
Sasporilla walked the officer over to a bench and sat him down. "Now you wait right here until you remember a bit of your duties or what if you see someone you remember. Ok constable?"
"Oh ok?" The officer smiled.
"You have a nice day." Sassy smiled.
***********************************
Karry was not surprised to find her mother had the baby in the kitchen with family, when she dragged herself from bed for breakfast. Karry's eye's were dry and her head ached. The young witch found herself dizzy and stuffy after a full day of crying.
"Good morning butterbeer, did you sleep?" Mrs.Curtiss asked her daughter.
"Some." Karry forced a smile walking over and picking up her boy. "How's my big beautiful boy?"
"He's a good little man." Mr.Curtiss smiled. "He's a true Curtiss!"
"Yes he is dad!" Karry said lip quivered proudly. "Yes... he... is."
Karry broke down crying again making her father cringe and shrug. Mrs.Curtiss passed the baby to her husband and took her crying daughter in her arms.
"There, there, Karry." Koleen Curtiss said as she looked out the window and saw the strange young man walking up to number four castle road. "I know it hurts now, but all young couples fight. It will all blow over. You'll see. Alexander? There's a strange young man at the kids house."
"We'll look into it." Mr.Curtiss said looking at the baby. "Won't we mate?"
The young man stood at the front door looking in the side window. He tried knocking and knocking again but no one seemed to be home.
"Were you looking for someone young man?" Alexander Curtiss asked.
"Oh yes sir." The young man said politely waving as he walked over. "I was looking for the young woman who lives here, Sasporilla Bucket."
"And you are?" Mr.Curtiss asked suspiciously.
"Melvin!" Korry called running over. "What are you doing here?"
"You know him son?" Mr.Curtiss asked?
"Yes." Korry smiled shaking Melvin's hand. "This Vinny Lazar the rock star! His real name is Melvin Lazarus, he went yo Hogwarts with us."
"Oh I see." Mr.Curtiss said not letting the young man get a word in edgewise. "He's here looking for... Sasporilla."
"This is her house isn't it?" Melvin asked.
"Not any more." Korry said. "The house was sold at the beginning of summer. She's gone away to university now."
"Actually you just missed her son." Mr.Curtiss said. "She was here just yesterday, but she didn't stay."
"Melvin?" Karry's voice sniffed from behind. "You've finally come looking for her?"
"I thought I'd catch her before she went off to Avalon. Apparently I'm to late."
"She'll be catching the ten a.m. shuttle out of Heathrow." Karry said. "If you hurry, you might catch her."
"I can't apparate yet." Melvin said.
"I've got you friend." Korry smiled grabbing hold of Melvin's arm. "Hang on tight Melvin."
"Good luck." Karry smiled.
**********************************
Sasporilla Bucket sat down to breakfast at the Winged Chariot in Terminal two at Heathrow. A large pub that offered buffet breakfasts and lunches. Sasporilla was a bit hungry this morning, so she got a full English breakfast.
"That looks good!" The booming voice of Nick Owlmore said as he sat down across from his god daughter.
"Uncle Nick!" Sasporilla covered smile half full of sausage. "You made it!"
"You didn't think for a second I was going to let you go away to school without seeing you off did ya?" Uncle Nick smiled.
"I certainly hoped you wouldn't." Sasporilla smiled. "Are you going to get some breakfast?"
"Might get a cupa." Nick said. "Already eaten."
"Best get at it then." Sassy smiled. "Don't dawdle."
"Yes mam." Nick smiled getting up to fetch himself a cup of tea.
Nick would dawdle about doing many things, but when it came to spending time with his god daughter, he wasted little time. Besides he had important things to discuss with her and wasn't sure just who's eyes were on them or for that manner, how many.
"Sasporilla." Nick said as he rejoined her at the table, setting his cup down.
"Me first, please Uncle Nick." Sasporilla interrupted him putting her fingers across his lips and fuzzy face fur to silence him. "I just wanted to say thank you for everything you've done for me. Not just for being there for me since mom died but for being there for us when dad passed and before, when he got sick. And for always being there when We needed you most. You're an amazing man, an amazing wizard, an amazing human being Uncle Nick. Thank you, I love you Uncle Nick."
Sasporilla hugged her Uncle Nick like she hadn't done since she was little. With an intensity and purity of love that is reserved for special moments and the honesty of small children. Nick Owlmore did something he'd never done in his life. The large tough auror shed a happy tear as he hugged his god daughter.
"I love you very much Sasporilla." Nick smiled sitting his God daughter back down. "You're very special to me, as were your mum and dad. They were my friends, but you're the light in my eyes! Like my own daughter, only I try to give you a bit more freedom. Though you may not know it, I do keep tabs on you."
"Yes it has come to my attention that people have had others 'WATCHING' me!" Sasporilla sighed.
"Keeping an eye on you." Nick Owlmore said taking her hand. "For your protection, I assure you."
"I'm always caught up in some sort of trouble so no offence but your protection people are crap." Sassy laughed.
"Yes well", Nick laughed, "most of those things were not the kind of Dangers they were looking for. You attracted those on your own. Bloody trouble magnet you are! Like your dad!"
Sasporilla bounced a croissant off the top of Nick's head and onto the plate of a rather snooty older lady at the next table who didn't seem to notice where it came from.
"Richard?" The Snooty lady asked. "Is this your croissant?"
"No Hyacinth." Her small bald husband smiled politely.
"I could have sworn I finished mine." The snooty woman said.
"Well I had a bran muffin that you picked out for me. Remember?" Richard smiled.
"Ah yes." Hyacinth said a bit to loudly in her sing-song voice. "Good for your digestive system. Lots of fiber. Well then it must be mine."
The snooty woman was most put off however when she discovered a greasy long brown hair on the bottom of her croissant. Not unlike the ones on the head of the strange man sitting with the pink haired girl at the table behind them.
"Sasporilla you're going to Avalon for a few years." Nick said. "I won't be able to watch you there. The danger comes from your own family. From your mothers family. Your father knew this. That is why he cast that protection spell on you as a baby. The spell made your hair pink and caused anyone who would try and harm you excruciating pain."
"I know that my mothers family is in the royal court." Sassy smiled. "I don't want anything to do with it so I don't see why they should want to harm me?"
"Because Sasporilla you are a woman of title." Nick said. "You haven't claimed your title as no one has come to you to tell you about it, but if you chose to, you could be a very big threat to them. The way you think, they way you treat people, your ideas, your way would be a huge threat to their way of life. That is why you're in danger. In Avalon you will be in their world, at their mercy, under their laws. I won't be able to help you."
"Uncle Nick please don't worry." Sassy smiled. "I'll be fine. If it concerns you so, I'll send a message to my aunt the witch Queen and tell her that I have NO eye on her throne! Ok? I just want to go to school in peace and go on with my life making wan..."
"Excuse me my lady." The Snooty woman from the next table bowed unstably to Sasporilla. "I did not mean to eavesdrop but I did over hear that you are of Royal lineage?"
"Um..." Sasporilla stammered. "Yes but...."
"It is an honour for you to make my acquaintance!" The snooty woman smiled. "Might I introduce myself. I am Hyacinth Bucket (pronouncing it as Bouquet) and this is my husband Richard."
"Sasporilla Bucket." Sassy Smiled. "This is my God father Nick Owlmore."
"Bucket?" Hyacinth Bucket asked. "Surly not dear. For one of Royal birth such as yourself it is pronounced BOUQUET as do we?"
"No." Sassy said. "It's pronounced Bucket, like old rusty, milk or piss… BUCKET."
"Oh." The snooty woman gulped. "I see."
"It's my fathers family name." Sasporilla said standing. "And one I carry with pride. My mothers family is the Royal side and it's their name that carries the respect. That name is Bent. They also have first names of flowers. You'd fit right in. Well if you'll excuse me, I must catch my shuttle."
"I'll walk you." Nick smiled. "I think it behooves you to bow as my lady leaves."
"Oh!" Hyacinth Bucket said bowing as they walked out into Terminal two.
"Hyacinth?" Richard asked. "Was that pink haired girl carrying some sort of broom?"
*****************************
Korry and Melvin appaerated onto a runway as a large muggle jet took off above them blowing them over with a deafening roar. Melvin ran over and grabbed Korry helping him to his feat.
"We have to get out of here." Melvin insisted. "Muggles don't like people out here by there airplanes. We better find a way inside."
"There's a door." Korry said pointing to a door clearly marked no admittance. "Follow me."
*************************
A lonely out of order photo booth in a dead end corridor of Terminal two was the gateway to the Avalon Shuttle boarding area. A tall shapely witch in muggle clothes stood nonchalantly by the photo booth.
"Tickets?" She asked with a smile.
"How did you know we weren't muggles?" Nick Owlmore asked as Sasporilla handed the woman her boarding pass.
"Muggles see the sign and turn around usually." The witch smiled. "If it's a couple interested in a private place for amore then I tell them the repairman will be here in two minutes."
"Clever." Sasporilla smiled taking back her tickets. "He's not travelling he's just seeing me off."
"Then I am sorry sir but this is as far as you can go." The witch said.
"Oh?" Nick said flashing his aurors badge. "How about now?"
"I'm sorry detective of course you can go through, but I will warn you they will be more stringent once you reach... royal security."
"We're still in London." Nick said. "Ministry jurisdiction. I'll be fine love, thank you."
"Please step through single file, and have a wonderful journey with Royal Avalon Shuttles."
*********************************
ALOHAMORA opened the locked door, allowing Korry and Melvin to slip inside the terminal. Muggles rushed around hurriedly dressed in yellow safety vests and hard hats. Many mechanical belts crisscrossed the inside of the giant building running in all directions, carrying luggage to air craft traveling all over the world.
"Hey!" A burly bearded man called out making the young wizards jump. "What are you doin' in here? You the new guys?"
"Uhm." Korry said cleverly.
"I thought there were suppose to be three of you?" The bearded man questioned.
"Other ones a girl." Melvin said. "In the lou. Ladies issues I believe."
"Right, right." The man said holding up his hand insisting on hearing no more. "Grab a safety vest and helmet and report to belt number forty seven."
"Got it boss." Melvin said shoving Korry towards the vests.
"Ya." Korry said giving a thumbs up.
"Moron kids." The bearded man spat. "What's this girl look like? So I can catch her up to ya?"
"She's about six feet tall." Korry smiled. "With a green stripe in her hair. Strong as an ox. You can't miss her."
"Great." The man said lumbering off.
"Ok." Korry said. "Let's find the Avalon Shuttle."
***********************************
The Royal Avalon Shuttle boarding area was quite beautifully decorated. It was very opulent in its gold and royal blues and purples. Sasporilla was most impressed though she thought it nothing more than over the top showmanship for namesake.
"Quite something ay Sassy?" Nick said.
"Bit ostentatious for my tastes." Sasporilla said. "Simple girl me. Not into all this opulence and bother. More at home in an old book case than a palace I’m afraid."
"That's our Sasporilla." Nick sighed. "Modest to a T, like her mum... and full of crap like her dad."
"Oy!" Sassy laughed smacking her Uncle Nick. "The nerve on you!"
The line through security was long but fast and efficient. Royal guards were quick and well regimented. Anyone not in compliance was pulled aside for inspection or worse.
"I'll stay with you in the que right up to security but I can't go past I'm afraid." Nick smiled.
"Why not?" Sassy asked.
"Technically that's Avalonian soil." Nick said. "Under their embassy. So they're in control. Their laws past that gate."
"Got you." Sasporilla hugged her uncle tight as the person ahead stepped through the gate ahead of them.
"Next." The guard commanded. "Come on. You with the pink hair, you're holding up the line."
"No need to be rude." Sasporilla said handing the guard her boarding pass.
"Place wand and luggage on the belt." The other guard said.
Sassy was hesitant to relinquish her wand but rules were rules and she had seen everyone have to do it. She placed her wand and broom on the belt.
"No luggage?" The royal guard asked suspiciously.
"Everything I own is stored in my brooms caravan." Sasporilla said. "Clothes, books, guitar, owl... well flamingo."
"Step through and prepare to open your caravan for royal inspection." The guard demanded.
"Is that really necessary?" Nick asked making his badge casually seen.
"This is Royal jurisdiction." The guard sneered. "Not ministry."
"I have nothing to hide." Sasporilla said stepping through the gate.
The guards drew their wands as Sasporilla moved to pick up her wand and broom.
"Look," Sasporilla said, "if you want me to open my broom's caravan I'll have to move it off your belt and away from your gate. Unless you want them broken? Also I can't exactly cast the spell to open the bloody thing without my bloody wand can I? So do you mind?"
Sasporilla picked up her wand and took her broom over to an area clear enough to open her Caravan. She laid the broom on the floor and pointed her wand at it.
"Occasum Sequor!" Sasporilla cast. The golden broom tip popped open and the caravan sprang out. The broom hung itself politely by the front door.
"There you are." Sasporilla said.
The first royal guard stormed up the steps to enter as if there was someone to surprise inside.
"Wait you'll need my permission to enter." Sasporilla said.
"We don't need anyone’s permission girl." The guard insisted trying to force the door.
A blast of magical energy blew him back off the top step and onto his behind with a bewildered look on his face.
"Have it your own way." Sasporilla smiled. "But it's a Triumphant 1200X with anti theft system. You can try and break in all day or you can let me give you permission."
"I'm just surprised they have the nerve to treat a member of the royal house this way." Nick shouted turning the guards pale.
"What?" The guard asked.
"Ignore my Uncle." Sassy said. "He's just referring to my family being in the royal court."
"I don't recognize the name?" The guard gulped as Sassy walked up the caravan steps and unlocked the door. "What is the royal name?"
"The Bent family." Sasporilla sighed.
The guard checked the boarding pass and realized it was a private royal coach.
"My apologies miss." The guard bowed handing Sassy back her boarding pass. "I feel suddenly the fool. I should have realized. We weren't informed of your arrival today. We won't need to search you."
"Alright fine, but I'll just fetch my guitar and my Flamingo then shall I?"
"Of course miss." The guard said.
Sassy had to chuckle as she grabbed her guitar and brought Jorge out after her. A quick cast and her caravan reset itself back into her broom tip. Sassy waved goodbye to her Uncle Nick as she was escorted off to her private shuttle compartment.
****************************
Luggage and boxes rolled quickly along belts and rollers rising and dropping from level to level through the maze of muggle machines that filled the secret areas of Heathrow terminal two. Korry and Melvin wound their way up stairs and ladders, across cat walks and down dead end corridors. Often being forced to turn back. It was by blind chance that Melvin heard what he swore was a strum of a guitar and turned to see a flickering red light by an old set of steps against a far wall. Painted letters that were half dust covered, worn and long faded read
"Av on S ut le"
"There!" Melvin pointed. "That's it!"
"There they are!" The voice of the bearded man boomed, and he was not alone. The big man was joined by three security guards and oddly a six foot tall girl with a green stripe in her hair. "Get them."
"It's near time for Sassy's shuttle to leave." Korry said pulling his wand. "I'll take care of these muggles, go get your girl! She deserves a true love like you mate."
"Thanks Korry." Melvin smiled. "Your a true friend."
"Not true enough." Korry sighed as a bullet rang off the metal railing next to him. "Oy! To many American movies John Wayne! STUPIFY MAXIMA!"
Melvin fought the urge to stay and fight but one spell and it was over. Korry was quite good at what he did. Within minutes the muggles would be obliviated, and no one would remember they were there. Melvin bound up the old creaky wooden steps to a locked door.
"ALOHAMORA." Melvin cast.
The door unlocked and swung open into a side hallway of the boarding area of Royal Avalon Shuttles, behind the security check area. Melvin walked down the hall toward the boarding lounge.
"Would you like something from the trolley dear?" A voice asked. Melvin turned to see an old woman with a large cart selling all manner of magical oddity. "Something sweet for your journey or something to keep you occupied?"
"No." Melvin said distracted looking for Sasporilla, not meaning to be quite so terse. "I'm seeing someone off."
"A girl?" The old woman smiled through her cracked skin and broken rotted teeth. "How about one of these."
The old woman showed Melvin a box full of Pygmy Puff’s in all colours. They were small and cute and just the thing to bring to his darling Sasporilla.
"How much for the pink one?"
************************************
Sasporilla's shuttle was a single private pod with windows on both sides and double golden gilded royal doors that lead to it's lavish interior. The Royal guard opened the doors for her and stood attentively as she boarded.
"Step in Jorge." Sassy said to her flamingo who couldn't hear a word through the Latin music playing loudly in his head phones. Sasporilla lifted one side of the headphones and raised her voice, much to her birds surprise. "Jorge! All aboard!"
"Right!" Jorge said dancing into the shuttle.
Sassy carried her broom and guitar on board and sat them on the floor of the rather large compartment. One of the guards stepped in.
"May I stow your things?" The guard asked.
"No." Sasporilla said. "I can deal with it myself. Thank you."
Sasporilla put her broom in the over head compartment and made sure Jorge was well secured in a seat as the royal guard closed the shuttle doors. Sassy sat down in her seat and reached into her bag.
Sasporilla pulled out a small box she picked up in the interdimensional market. Sassy opened its top and a small microphone popped up and an arm with a red button sprung out.
"This is a nice quiet place to record something." Sasporilla said as she set her guitar on her lap and pushed the red button. "Dear Myron, I'm on my way to Avalon to start university. Thought I'd try this recording box. I rather like this muggle song and it's how I'm feeling today."
Sasporilla started playing a song called "Love Hurts."
It wasn't so much the words that caused the tears to well in her eyes.
"I'm young, I know, But even so. I know a thing or two, I learned from you. I really learned a lot, really learned a lot. Love is like a flame, it burns you when it's hot. Love hurts." It was the feelings. The truth behind the words that made the tears flow. Sasporilla let the last chord trail off as she turned off the recorder.
The day before the students arrived at Hogwarts was a busy day in Hogsmeade. All of the shops were alive with customers picking up last minute items. Large orders were coming in for the school and being picked up by staff members and elves alike. Most of the locals knew enough to stay away from main street and the shops on this day.
Sasporilla strolled leisurely into Hogsmeade whistling and smiling brightly.
"Hello Mrs.Honeyduke!" Sasporilla called cheerfully. "Wonderful day."
"Very busy day." Mrs.Honeyduke smiled exasperated. "But it is nice to see you Miss Bucket!"
"Sasporilla!" A small voice called.
Sassy looked around but saw no one. Finally her nose followed the smell of old socks and cherry wood tobacco back to Drooble, the head of House Elves, perched atop a pile of crates marked for transport to Hogwarts, smoking his pipe.
"Drooble!" Sasporilla waved excitedly as the elf hopped down off the boxes and walked over to his favorite young witch. "How are you?"
"Old and tired my dear." Drooble smiled taking the liberty of giving Sassy a welcoming hug. "But feeling younger and lighter of heart for having seen you!"
"Yes my friend you are a sight for sore eyes." Sasporilla said.
"Yes my face does tend to have that effect those who look upon me." Drooble laughed.
"Now don't you dare talk about your self that way." Sasporilla said. "You were not only one of my teachers, you are my friend! And I will not have anyone talk about my friends that way!"
"Thank you Sasporilla." The old elf smiled. "What brings you to Hogsmeade?"
"I've come to visit Karry Curtiss." Sassy smiled.
"Oh I see." Drooble cringed pointing the tip of his pipe towards the far end of town. "Then if I were you I'd best hurry, before you miss her."
Sasporilla looked up and could see Karry storming out of the front door of her home carrying her child in one arm and moving out suitcases with her wand with her free hand.
"Oh no." Sasporilla said breaking into a run. "What is this all about?"
Even though Sasporilla was to far off to hear what her best friend was saying, Sassy could clearly see Karry was upset and angry with Zac. The young woman’s tears flowed down her cheeks as she yelled at her young husband, standing defiantly smug in the doorway.
"If you want us out of your life Zac Zarcazzian then fine!" Karry screamed. "I'll take the baby and you'll never see me again!"
"Probably run back to your half muggle roots, and your muggle home back in muggle town!" Zac sneered
"How dare you!" Karry yelled at her husband who stood tall on the front step of their house rubbing his ring.
"Karry! Zac!" Sasporilla yelled as she ran over and grabbed her friend. "What is this all about?"
"Sasporilla!" Karry wailed. "He's just become a beast. I can't stand him any more."
"Has he hit you?" Sassy asked.
"Of course not." Zac huffed. "No matter how foolish a girl she may act I'd never lay a hand on her, nor the child."
"Your child!" Karry yelled.
"So you insist." Zac said to Sasporilla’s surprise.
"Ok." Sassy said. "I don't know what started this but I feel you two need a bit of time apart."
"I'm going to my mothers." Karry said.
"Are you sure?" Sasporilla asked. "It's easier for Zac to go for a few days."
"No." Karry insisted. "Please Sasporilla. Let's just go."
Sasporilla hated apperating with both her upset friend, her baby, all of her luggage, and her own broom. Amazingly they made it to Essex without being splinched. They appeared in front of the Curtiss home on Castle Road. Karry's bags fell to the side and scattered on the sidewalk with a thump. The crying baby summoned a concerned grandmother from her cookie baking. Mrs.Curtiss opened the front door of the house with a look of concern as Karry ran to her mother, crying with her baby in her arms.
"What's happened?" Mrs.Curtiss asked hugging her daughter.
"Mom-my" Karry cried.
For the first time Sasporilla saw her friend Karry as she saw herself. A child, trying her best in an adult world to play big girl. She married at sixteen! Was this bound to happen? Were the adults right? Was this something else? For now Sassy would leave Karry with her mom. She felt that at this time that who Karry needed most.
It was a familiar giggle that made Sasporilla turn around. A young couple was carrying in some boxes of things into her old house at number four Castle Road. As she had expected, it was Madrigal Neelander and Karry's twin brother Korry Curtiss. Sassy took a deep breath and walked over.
Sassy stood in the open doorway remembering the very few good times she had here and even worse all the tragedy. Sasporilla couldn't help but think the house looked the same but somehow felt different. It didn't belong to her any more. It was someone else’s.
"I'll fetch the other box." Korry said suddenly appearing in the doorway bumping into Sassy. "Oh! Excuse me. I didn't see you the... Sasporilla?"
"Hello Korry." Sassy said. "I was pretty sure it was Zac over paid for the house. Future wedding gift?"
"Yes." Korry blushed. "Two yearsish in June. What are you doing here?"
"Just dropped Karry and the baby off at your mom's. Her and Zac have had a big row. Karry's left for a while. She needed to see her mum."
"I best leave her alone for a while then." Korry said.
"That's what I'm doing." Sasporilla smiled shyly. "Let them talk."
"Where is that box?" Madrigal said laughing coming to the door. "Oh! Sasporilla?"
"Hello Madrigal." Sassy waved. "Getting the house in shape?"
"Yes." Maddy smiled proudly. "It's a lot of work to bring this house up to my tastes."
"Well you have time." Sasporilla smiled politely seeing the uncomfortable look in Korry's stance. "I can't hang about unfortunately. Korry would you do me the service of telling Karry I had to be on to catch the shuttle to Avalon."
"I will." Korry said walking the pink haired witch down the short walk to the road. "Sassy are you ok?"
"Yes Korry." Sasporilla said looking into her exboyfriend’s eyes. "There was a time when I thought perhaps that I would never get over you. That we were meant to be together, but it seems the fates have chosen different for us. Love has found me twice and fate has cruelly ripped it from me. Strangely enough I'm not bitter like I think I should be. I'm hopeful that I will find love again. Maybe this time for good. Are you happy, Korry?"
"Yes Sassy I am." Korry Curtiss smiled. "We are."
"Good." Sasporilla smiled mounting her broom. "I am glad. Bye you two. Have fun redoing my old house!"
As Sasporilla flew off into the late afternoon sky, a single tear rolled down her cheek.
************************
BANG!BANG!BANG! Sasporilla awoke to something pounding loudly on the wall of her caravan. Her caravan? Why was she in her caravan? Sasporilla remembered taking Karry to Essex to see her mother and running into Korry. That upset her enough that she left and flew to London crying about lost loves.
'BANG!BANG!BANG!' someone pounded on the caravan.
"Coming!" Sasporilla said yawning as she crawled out put on some clothes. Jorge looked at her concerned. "Don't worry. Just stay in here. You'll be safe. I'll bring you out in Avalon."
Sasporilla through on her purple jacket and grabbed her bag as she stepped through the door. A police officer stood very unimpressed at the bottom of her caravan steps, truncheon in hand.
"Well, well, well." The officer said, "do you gypsy's think you can just set up camps anywhere you want in London now?"
"No sir." Sasporilla said calmly looking around for witnesses. None really.
"You think Hyde park is a bloody camp ground young miss?" The officer sneered.
"No." Sasporilla cast the caravan back into a broom which landed in her hand. "But it will do in a pinch. OBLIVIATE!"
Sasporilla walked the officer over to a bench and sat him down. "Now you wait right here until you remember a bit of your duties or what if you see someone you remember. Ok constable?"
"Oh ok?" The officer smiled.
"You have a nice day." Sassy smiled.
***********************************
Karry was not surprised to find her mother had the baby in the kitchen with family, when she dragged herself from bed for breakfast. Karry's eye's were dry and her head ached. The young witch found herself dizzy and stuffy after a full day of crying.
"Good morning butterbeer, did you sleep?" Mrs.Curtiss asked her daughter.
"Some." Karry forced a smile walking over and picking up her boy. "How's my big beautiful boy?"
"He's a good little man." Mr.Curtiss smiled. "He's a true Curtiss!"
"Yes he is dad!" Karry said lip quivered proudly. "Yes... he... is."
Karry broke down crying again making her father cringe and shrug. Mrs.Curtiss passed the baby to her husband and took her crying daughter in her arms.
"There, there, Karry." Koleen Curtiss said as she looked out the window and saw the strange young man walking up to number four castle road. "I know it hurts now, but all young couples fight. It will all blow over. You'll see. Alexander? There's a strange young man at the kids house."
"We'll look into it." Mr.Curtiss said looking at the baby. "Won't we mate?"
The young man stood at the front door looking in the side window. He tried knocking and knocking again but no one seemed to be home.
"Were you looking for someone young man?" Alexander Curtiss asked.
"Oh yes sir." The young man said politely waving as he walked over. "I was looking for the young woman who lives here, Sasporilla Bucket."
"And you are?" Mr.Curtiss asked suspiciously.
"Melvin!" Korry called running over. "What are you doing here?"
"You know him son?" Mr.Curtiss asked?
"Yes." Korry smiled shaking Melvin's hand. "This Vinny Lazar the rock star! His real name is Melvin Lazarus, he went yo Hogwarts with us."
"Oh I see." Mr.Curtiss said not letting the young man get a word in edgewise. "He's here looking for... Sasporilla."
"This is her house isn't it?" Melvin asked.
"Not any more." Korry said. "The house was sold at the beginning of summer. She's gone away to university now."
"Actually you just missed her son." Mr.Curtiss said. "She was here just yesterday, but she didn't stay."
"Melvin?" Karry's voice sniffed from behind. "You've finally come looking for her?"
"I thought I'd catch her before she went off to Avalon. Apparently I'm to late."
"She'll be catching the ten a.m. shuttle out of Heathrow." Karry said. "If you hurry, you might catch her."
"I can't apparate yet." Melvin said.
"I've got you friend." Korry smiled grabbing hold of Melvin's arm. "Hang on tight Melvin."
"Good luck." Karry smiled.
**********************************
Sasporilla Bucket sat down to breakfast at the Winged Chariot in Terminal two at Heathrow. A large pub that offered buffet breakfasts and lunches. Sasporilla was a bit hungry this morning, so she got a full English breakfast.
"That looks good!" The booming voice of Nick Owlmore said as he sat down across from his god daughter.
"Uncle Nick!" Sasporilla covered smile half full of sausage. "You made it!"
"You didn't think for a second I was going to let you go away to school without seeing you off did ya?" Uncle Nick smiled.
"I certainly hoped you wouldn't." Sasporilla smiled. "Are you going to get some breakfast?"
"Might get a cupa." Nick said. "Already eaten."
"Best get at it then." Sassy smiled. "Don't dawdle."
"Yes mam." Nick smiled getting up to fetch himself a cup of tea.
Nick would dawdle about doing many things, but when it came to spending time with his god daughter, he wasted little time. Besides he had important things to discuss with her and wasn't sure just who's eyes were on them or for that manner, how many.
"Sasporilla." Nick said as he rejoined her at the table, setting his cup down.
"Me first, please Uncle Nick." Sasporilla interrupted him putting her fingers across his lips and fuzzy face fur to silence him. "I just wanted to say thank you for everything you've done for me. Not just for being there for me since mom died but for being there for us when dad passed and before, when he got sick. And for always being there when We needed you most. You're an amazing man, an amazing wizard, an amazing human being Uncle Nick. Thank you, I love you Uncle Nick."
Sasporilla hugged her Uncle Nick like she hadn't done since she was little. With an intensity and purity of love that is reserved for special moments and the honesty of small children. Nick Owlmore did something he'd never done in his life. The large tough auror shed a happy tear as he hugged his god daughter.
"I love you very much Sasporilla." Nick smiled sitting his God daughter back down. "You're very special to me, as were your mum and dad. They were my friends, but you're the light in my eyes! Like my own daughter, only I try to give you a bit more freedom. Though you may not know it, I do keep tabs on you."
"Yes it has come to my attention that people have had others 'WATCHING' me!" Sasporilla sighed.
"Keeping an eye on you." Nick Owlmore said taking her hand. "For your protection, I assure you."
"I'm always caught up in some sort of trouble so no offence but your protection people are crap." Sassy laughed.
"Yes well", Nick laughed, "most of those things were not the kind of Dangers they were looking for. You attracted those on your own. Bloody trouble magnet you are! Like your dad!"
Sasporilla bounced a croissant off the top of Nick's head and onto the plate of a rather snooty older lady at the next table who didn't seem to notice where it came from.
"Richard?" The Snooty lady asked. "Is this your croissant?"
"No Hyacinth." Her small bald husband smiled politely.
"I could have sworn I finished mine." The snooty woman said.
"Well I had a bran muffin that you picked out for me. Remember?" Richard smiled.
"Ah yes." Hyacinth said a bit to loudly in her sing-song voice. "Good for your digestive system. Lots of fiber. Well then it must be mine."
The snooty woman was most put off however when she discovered a greasy long brown hair on the bottom of her croissant. Not unlike the ones on the head of the strange man sitting with the pink haired girl at the table behind them.
"Sasporilla you're going to Avalon for a few years." Nick said. "I won't be able to watch you there. The danger comes from your own family. From your mothers family. Your father knew this. That is why he cast that protection spell on you as a baby. The spell made your hair pink and caused anyone who would try and harm you excruciating pain."
"I know that my mothers family is in the royal court." Sassy smiled. "I don't want anything to do with it so I don't see why they should want to harm me?"
"Because Sasporilla you are a woman of title." Nick said. "You haven't claimed your title as no one has come to you to tell you about it, but if you chose to, you could be a very big threat to them. The way you think, they way you treat people, your ideas, your way would be a huge threat to their way of life. That is why you're in danger. In Avalon you will be in their world, at their mercy, under their laws. I won't be able to help you."
"Uncle Nick please don't worry." Sassy smiled. "I'll be fine. If it concerns you so, I'll send a message to my aunt the witch Queen and tell her that I have NO eye on her throne! Ok? I just want to go to school in peace and go on with my life making wan..."
"Excuse me my lady." The Snooty woman from the next table bowed unstably to Sasporilla. "I did not mean to eavesdrop but I did over hear that you are of Royal lineage?"
"Um..." Sasporilla stammered. "Yes but...."
"It is an honour for you to make my acquaintance!" The snooty woman smiled. "Might I introduce myself. I am Hyacinth Bucket (pronouncing it as Bouquet) and this is my husband Richard."
"Sasporilla Bucket." Sassy Smiled. "This is my God father Nick Owlmore."
"Bucket?" Hyacinth Bucket asked. "Surly not dear. For one of Royal birth such as yourself it is pronounced BOUQUET as do we?"
"No." Sassy said. "It's pronounced Bucket, like old rusty, milk or piss… BUCKET."
"Oh." The snooty woman gulped. "I see."
"It's my fathers family name." Sasporilla said standing. "And one I carry with pride. My mothers family is the Royal side and it's their name that carries the respect. That name is Bent. They also have first names of flowers. You'd fit right in. Well if you'll excuse me, I must catch my shuttle."
"I'll walk you." Nick smiled. "I think it behooves you to bow as my lady leaves."
"Oh!" Hyacinth Bucket said bowing as they walked out into Terminal two.
"Hyacinth?" Richard asked. "Was that pink haired girl carrying some sort of broom?"
*****************************
Korry and Melvin appaerated onto a runway as a large muggle jet took off above them blowing them over with a deafening roar. Melvin ran over and grabbed Korry helping him to his feat.
"We have to get out of here." Melvin insisted. "Muggles don't like people out here by there airplanes. We better find a way inside."
"There's a door." Korry said pointing to a door clearly marked no admittance. "Follow me."
*************************
A lonely out of order photo booth in a dead end corridor of Terminal two was the gateway to the Avalon Shuttle boarding area. A tall shapely witch in muggle clothes stood nonchalantly by the photo booth.
"Tickets?" She asked with a smile.
"How did you know we weren't muggles?" Nick Owlmore asked as Sasporilla handed the woman her boarding pass.
"Muggles see the sign and turn around usually." The witch smiled. "If it's a couple interested in a private place for amore then I tell them the repairman will be here in two minutes."
"Clever." Sasporilla smiled taking back her tickets. "He's not travelling he's just seeing me off."
"Then I am sorry sir but this is as far as you can go." The witch said.
"Oh?" Nick said flashing his aurors badge. "How about now?"
"I'm sorry detective of course you can go through, but I will warn you they will be more stringent once you reach... royal security."
"We're still in London." Nick said. "Ministry jurisdiction. I'll be fine love, thank you."
"Please step through single file, and have a wonderful journey with Royal Avalon Shuttles."
*********************************
ALOHAMORA opened the locked door, allowing Korry and Melvin to slip inside the terminal. Muggles rushed around hurriedly dressed in yellow safety vests and hard hats. Many mechanical belts crisscrossed the inside of the giant building running in all directions, carrying luggage to air craft traveling all over the world.
"Hey!" A burly bearded man called out making the young wizards jump. "What are you doin' in here? You the new guys?"
"Uhm." Korry said cleverly.
"I thought there were suppose to be three of you?" The bearded man questioned.
"Other ones a girl." Melvin said. "In the lou. Ladies issues I believe."
"Right, right." The man said holding up his hand insisting on hearing no more. "Grab a safety vest and helmet and report to belt number forty seven."
"Got it boss." Melvin said shoving Korry towards the vests.
"Ya." Korry said giving a thumbs up.
"Moron kids." The bearded man spat. "What's this girl look like? So I can catch her up to ya?"
"She's about six feet tall." Korry smiled. "With a green stripe in her hair. Strong as an ox. You can't miss her."
"Great." The man said lumbering off.
"Ok." Korry said. "Let's find the Avalon Shuttle."
***********************************
The Royal Avalon Shuttle boarding area was quite beautifully decorated. It was very opulent in its gold and royal blues and purples. Sasporilla was most impressed though she thought it nothing more than over the top showmanship for namesake.
"Quite something ay Sassy?" Nick said.
"Bit ostentatious for my tastes." Sasporilla said. "Simple girl me. Not into all this opulence and bother. More at home in an old book case than a palace I’m afraid."
"That's our Sasporilla." Nick sighed. "Modest to a T, like her mum... and full of crap like her dad."
"Oy!" Sassy laughed smacking her Uncle Nick. "The nerve on you!"
The line through security was long but fast and efficient. Royal guards were quick and well regimented. Anyone not in compliance was pulled aside for inspection or worse.
"I'll stay with you in the que right up to security but I can't go past I'm afraid." Nick smiled.
"Why not?" Sassy asked.
"Technically that's Avalonian soil." Nick said. "Under their embassy. So they're in control. Their laws past that gate."
"Got you." Sasporilla hugged her uncle tight as the person ahead stepped through the gate ahead of them.
"Next." The guard commanded. "Come on. You with the pink hair, you're holding up the line."
"No need to be rude." Sasporilla said handing the guard her boarding pass.
"Place wand and luggage on the belt." The other guard said.
Sassy was hesitant to relinquish her wand but rules were rules and she had seen everyone have to do it. She placed her wand and broom on the belt.
"No luggage?" The royal guard asked suspiciously.
"Everything I own is stored in my brooms caravan." Sasporilla said. "Clothes, books, guitar, owl... well flamingo."
"Step through and prepare to open your caravan for royal inspection." The guard demanded.
"Is that really necessary?" Nick asked making his badge casually seen.
"This is Royal jurisdiction." The guard sneered. "Not ministry."
"I have nothing to hide." Sasporilla said stepping through the gate.
The guards drew their wands as Sasporilla moved to pick up her wand and broom.
"Look," Sasporilla said, "if you want me to open my broom's caravan I'll have to move it off your belt and away from your gate. Unless you want them broken? Also I can't exactly cast the spell to open the bloody thing without my bloody wand can I? So do you mind?"
Sasporilla picked up her wand and took her broom over to an area clear enough to open her Caravan. She laid the broom on the floor and pointed her wand at it.
"Occasum Sequor!" Sasporilla cast. The golden broom tip popped open and the caravan sprang out. The broom hung itself politely by the front door.
"There you are." Sasporilla said.
The first royal guard stormed up the steps to enter as if there was someone to surprise inside.
"Wait you'll need my permission to enter." Sasporilla said.
"We don't need anyone’s permission girl." The guard insisted trying to force the door.
A blast of magical energy blew him back off the top step and onto his behind with a bewildered look on his face.
"Have it your own way." Sasporilla smiled. "But it's a Triumphant 1200X with anti theft system. You can try and break in all day or you can let me give you permission."
"I'm just surprised they have the nerve to treat a member of the royal house this way." Nick shouted turning the guards pale.
"What?" The guard asked.
"Ignore my Uncle." Sassy said. "He's just referring to my family being in the royal court."
"I don't recognize the name?" The guard gulped as Sassy walked up the caravan steps and unlocked the door. "What is the royal name?"
"The Bent family." Sasporilla sighed.
The guard checked the boarding pass and realized it was a private royal coach.
"My apologies miss." The guard bowed handing Sassy back her boarding pass. "I feel suddenly the fool. I should have realized. We weren't informed of your arrival today. We won't need to search you."
"Alright fine, but I'll just fetch my guitar and my Flamingo then shall I?"
"Of course miss." The guard said.
Sassy had to chuckle as she grabbed her guitar and brought Jorge out after her. A quick cast and her caravan reset itself back into her broom tip. Sassy waved goodbye to her Uncle Nick as she was escorted off to her private shuttle compartment.
****************************
Luggage and boxes rolled quickly along belts and rollers rising and dropping from level to level through the maze of muggle machines that filled the secret areas of Heathrow terminal two. Korry and Melvin wound their way up stairs and ladders, across cat walks and down dead end corridors. Often being forced to turn back. It was by blind chance that Melvin heard what he swore was a strum of a guitar and turned to see a flickering red light by an old set of steps against a far wall. Painted letters that were half dust covered, worn and long faded read
"Av on S ut le"
"There!" Melvin pointed. "That's it!"
"There they are!" The voice of the bearded man boomed, and he was not alone. The big man was joined by three security guards and oddly a six foot tall girl with a green stripe in her hair. "Get them."
"It's near time for Sassy's shuttle to leave." Korry said pulling his wand. "I'll take care of these muggles, go get your girl! She deserves a true love like you mate."
"Thanks Korry." Melvin smiled. "Your a true friend."
"Not true enough." Korry sighed as a bullet rang off the metal railing next to him. "Oy! To many American movies John Wayne! STUPIFY MAXIMA!"
Melvin fought the urge to stay and fight but one spell and it was over. Korry was quite good at what he did. Within minutes the muggles would be obliviated, and no one would remember they were there. Melvin bound up the old creaky wooden steps to a locked door.
"ALOHAMORA." Melvin cast.
The door unlocked and swung open into a side hallway of the boarding area of Royal Avalon Shuttles, behind the security check area. Melvin walked down the hall toward the boarding lounge.
"Would you like something from the trolley dear?" A voice asked. Melvin turned to see an old woman with a large cart selling all manner of magical oddity. "Something sweet for your journey or something to keep you occupied?"
"No." Melvin said distracted looking for Sasporilla, not meaning to be quite so terse. "I'm seeing someone off."
"A girl?" The old woman smiled through her cracked skin and broken rotted teeth. "How about one of these."
The old woman showed Melvin a box full of Pygmy Puff’s in all colours. They were small and cute and just the thing to bring to his darling Sasporilla.
"How much for the pink one?"
************************************
Sasporilla's shuttle was a single private pod with windows on both sides and double golden gilded royal doors that lead to it's lavish interior. The Royal guard opened the doors for her and stood attentively as she boarded.
"Step in Jorge." Sassy said to her flamingo who couldn't hear a word through the Latin music playing loudly in his head phones. Sasporilla lifted one side of the headphones and raised her voice, much to her birds surprise. "Jorge! All aboard!"
"Right!" Jorge said dancing into the shuttle.
Sassy carried her broom and guitar on board and sat them on the floor of the rather large compartment. One of the guards stepped in.
"May I stow your things?" The guard asked.
"No." Sasporilla said. "I can deal with it myself. Thank you."
Sasporilla put her broom in the over head compartment and made sure Jorge was well secured in a seat as the royal guard closed the shuttle doors. Sassy sat down in her seat and reached into her bag.
Sasporilla pulled out a small box she picked up in the interdimensional market. Sassy opened its top and a small microphone popped up and an arm with a red button sprung out.
"This is a nice quiet place to record something." Sasporilla said as she set her guitar on her lap and pushed the red button. "Dear Myron, I'm on my way to Avalon to start university. Thought I'd try this recording box. I rather like this muggle song and it's how I'm feeling today."
Sasporilla started playing a song called "Love Hurts."
It wasn't so much the words that caused the tears to well in her eyes.
"I'm young, I know, But even so. I know a thing or two, I learned from you. I really learned a lot, really learned a lot. Love is like a flame, it burns you when it's hot. Love hurts." It was the feelings. The truth behind the words that made the tears flow. Sasporilla let the last chord trail off as she turned off the recorder.
|
She looked up to see Melvin come running into the boarding area carrying something pink and furry in his hands.
A small happy cry burst across Sasporilla's lips as she dropped her guitar. Two strings snapped with a loud SPROING sound which drew Melvin's attention. Sassy got up from her seat kicking the guitar aside and rushed to the shuttle door as it locked.
"Passengers welcome to Royal Avalon Shuttles." A voice said across all shuttles and through the boarding area. "All shuttles will be leaving in one minute. Please be seated, and enjoy your travels with Royal Avalon Shuttle."
Sasporilla placed her hands flat against the glass window panes in the inside of the shuttle doors. Melvin touched the glass with his free hand to the glass against hers.
"I need to see you." Melvin yelled to her but Sassy couldn't hear him.
"What?" Sassy asked Melvin heard her muffled voice.
"I need to see you." Melvin annunciated his words so Sasporilla could read his lips, holding up the Pygmy Puff he'd bought for her. "I can't stop thinking about you!"
"Melvin I..." Sassy said as the shuttle began to fade in a swirling purple fog.
The Pygmy Puff started to shiver and shake. A strange glow emanated from deep within the small furry creature. Melvin held the wide eyed Pygmy Puff, which squealed in painful distress, up to his face. Something was spinning wildly inside of the poor beast. The flash was brilliant but cloaked by that of the shuttles own departing flash. Except for a whisp of smoke, and a bit of pink fur, there was no sign of Melvin Lazarus.
PLEASE REMEMBER
I am in no way affiliated with Warner Bros. or with J.K.Rowling. My work is purely that of fan fiction & do not ask for, nor accept money, gifts or other compensation for my work. If you really feel you must do something, donate to J.K.Rowling's charitable foundation LUMOS! Link below! ( https://www.wearelumos.org/ )
I am in no way affiliated with Warner Bros. or with J.K.Rowling. My work is purely that of fan fiction & do not ask for, nor accept money, gifts or other compensation for my work. If you really feel you must do something, donate to J.K.Rowling's charitable foundation LUMOS! Link below! ( https://www.wearelumos.org/ )